Filter "chapter numbers"

This proposed solution uses three helper columns that parse the first, middle and last numbers, respectively, and then uses a custom sort of those numbers:

=VALUE(LEFT(A1,SEARCH(".",A1)-1))

=VALUE(MID(A1,SEARCH(".",A1)+1,SEARCH(".",A1,SEARCH(".",A1)+1)-SEARCH(".",A1)-1))

=VALUE(MID(A1,SEARCH(".",A1,SEARCH(".",A1)+1)+1,99))

Here is a file with the formulas applied to chapter numbers as described in post #1: Filter Chapter Outline.xlsx
Once you have enabled editing, select the range A1:D6.
From the Data tab select sort
first "Sort by" should already be column B
Select "Add level" and choose "Then by" column C
Select "Add level" and choose "Then by" column D
Press OK
Let me know if you have any questions.

Originally Posted by Generalist

Would it help me If I change the punctuation (.) to a comma (,) in the numbers?

I don't think so, at least it didn't work when I tested it.

You could use a UDF to pad numbers to equal length:

Row\Col	A	B	C
1	Chapter	Sort
2	1.1.1	01.01.01	B2: =PadNum(A2, 2)
3	1.2.1	01.02.01
4	1.3.1	01.03.01
5	1.4.1	01.04.01
6	1.5.1	01.05.01
7	1.6.1	01.06.01
8	1.7.1	01.07.01
9	1.8.1	01.08.01
10	1.9.1	01.09.01
11	1.10.1	01.10.01
12	1.11.1	01.11.01

Function PadNum(sInp As String, Optional ByVal iLen As Long = 1) As String
  ' shg 2003

  ' Expands numbers in a string to iLen characters for sorting; e.g.,
  '   PadNum("13A1U3", 2)    = "13A01U03"
  '   PadNum("1.2.3.15", 3)  = "001.002.003.015"

  ' Numbers are not shortened below their minimal representation:
  '   PadNum("1.123.2.3", 2) = "01.123.02.03"

  ' Returns unpadded values if iLen = 1 or omitted
  '   PadNum("01.123.02.03") = "1.123.2.3"

  ' All characters other than digits 0-9 are returned as-is

  Dim sFmt          As String
  Dim iChr          As Long
  Dim sNum          As String
  Dim sChr          As String
  Dim bNum          As Boolean

  sFmt = String(IIf(iLen < 1, 1, IIf(iLen > 15, 15, iLen)), "0")

  For iChr = 1 To Len(sInp) + 1   ' the +1 flushes a trailing number
    sChr = Mid(sInp, iChr, 1)
    If sChr Like "#" Then
      bNum = True
      sNum = sNum & sChr
    Else
      If bNum Then
        bNum = False
        
        If Len(sNum) <= 15 Then
          ' it's coercible to a Double without loss of digits
          PadNum = PadNum & Format(CDbl(sNum), sFmt)
        Else
          ' it isn't; use as-is
          PadNum = PadNum & sNum
        End If
        
        sNum = vbNullString
      End If
      PadNum = PadNum & sChr
    End If
  Next iChr
End Function

Originally Posted by Dineth

make a custom list
type in a blank datasheet like this
1.1
1.2
...
1.11
1.12
etc.

then go to file-> options -> advance -> edit custom lists
then import your dataset as a new list. that's it.

this is very easy and take only seconds. don't hesitate to probe, if you are not clear. when you sort go to custom sort, sort by chapter number (or your column heading name) sort on values, order custom list | and then select 1.1,1.2...list